International Students Testimonials

Advantages of studying in Russia for foreign nationals — © ITMO

Michel Jean Georges Kowalewski, France

There is much in common between towns in France and Saint Petersburg, it gives me feeling of home

My first trip to Russia occurred in 2008. I participated in senior camp in Moscow. It was great experience and wonderful month in a foreign country. Since then, even short-term study in Russia became a dream for me. I asked my international student adviser about possibility of studying in Russia, and he recommended me ITMO University. "Saint Petersburg sounds great!" was my first thought. Soon I became a participant of the Erasmus programme and got ready for new adventures in Russia.

I landed at Pulkovo airport on the 28th of August. To tell the truth, I was a bit scared. Another big city, another people, another life. Hopefully it didn’t last long. I was met by the guy from ITMO University who helped me to reach the dormitory. Then I got acquainted with my curator Dmitry Kypriyanov – now he is my teacher and a friend. He helps me with everything in Saint Petersburg, solving all my problems, and I appreciate it very much.

Studying at ITMO University allowed me not to change my lifestyle. I am fond of sport, I go to the gym regularly, and maybe later I will join some sports club at the university.

There is much in common between the architecture in France and Saint Petersburg, and it gives me a wonderful feeling of home. During this month in Saint Petersburg, I got a lot of sightseeing experience. I’ve seen the Hermitage, Nevskiy prospect, Peterhoff, etc. Also I like to go for walks to such beautiful places as Krestovsky Island.

It’s a long story about my connection with Russia. My grandgrandfather was a Don Cossack, who was living in Soviet Russia until the end of the Civil War. Then he left country and met my grandgrandmother who was from Poland. So I have Russian roots, and maybe because of it I adore this country.